New Leader of Mexico’s Drug Cartel Hails from California
A significant shift has occurred in Mexico’s drug trade leadership, with Juan Carlos Valencia, a 41-year-old from Santa Ana, California, recently identified as the new head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). This development follows the death of his father-in-law, Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, who was killed during a military operation five months ago.
Valencia, who faced drug trafficking and weapon charges in Washington, D.C., in October 2020, has had a $5 million bounty placed on him by the U.S. since 2021.
According to a source who previously worked in law enforcement in Mexico, it’s now up to the U.S. government to figure out how to deal with this American born cartel figure. There are concerns, particularly regarding the rules of engagement. The official stated, “We shouldn’t be targeting American citizens. His dual citizenship could complicate typical operations that might endanger his life.”
In a somewhat ironic twist, given the complex geopolitics in play, the U.S. likely wouldn’t claim coordination in such operations because of Mexico’s sovereignty. The Mexican government might utilize intelligence from the U.S. to apprehend Valencia, potentially sidestepping the citizenship dilemma.
Interestingly, Valencia’s family background is laden with criminal ties. His father, Armando Valencia, co-founded the now-defunct Milenio Cartel and had been extradited to the U.S. but was released in 2020. Meanwhile, his mother, Rosalinda Gonzalez, is linked to El Mencho and has children with him, including Ruben ‘El Mencito’ Oseguera, who is currently serving life in prison.
Valencia’s ascent to power has been rapid. He was once the second in command, following Audias “El Jardinero” Flores, who was arrested in April 2023. Security consultant David Saucedo remarked that the absence of significant criminal activity following Flores’s arrest hints at Valencia’s involvement in orchestrating that arrest to eliminate competition among cartel members.
It remains to be seen how Valencia will handle the complexities of his new role, especially as an American citizen leading one of the most notorious cartels in Mexico.
